ABSTRACT
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by fear and frequently avoidance of social and/or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur (DSM-IV’, American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). Almost everyone who has gone on a first date, interviewed for a job, or presented a formal speech has experienced concerns related to being under the close scrutiny of others. However, social anxiety disorder is distinguished by the severity and persistence of anxiety symptoms as well as the degree to which anxiety interferes with the adaptive functioning of the individual.
